Giants pitchers say they felt no pressure over Pride Night hat protest

Four San Francisco Giants pitchers who either wrote a Bible verse on or refused to wear the team’s Pride Night hat said they did not feel pressured or discriminated against. The players, JT Brubaker, Landen Roupp, Ryan Walker and Sam Hentges, said the decision was made after weeks of discussion among teammates and was not forced by the league or the club.

"I just think it’s just in the news and it’s something that’s out there and at the end of the day I don’t think it’s discrimination," said pitcher JT Brubaker, who added Genesis 9:12-16 to his hat.

The three pitchers who altered their hats received warnings from Major League Baseball for violating uniform rules, but were not penalized for the content of their messages. Hentges, who chose not to wear a Pride hat at all, said he made a personal choice and did not feel compelled by the organization.

"I don’t feel discriminated against. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion," Hentges told the Chronicle.

Walker said he was unsure how to answer whether he felt discriminated against, but noted that his decision stemmed from personal reflection on his faith rather than external pressure.

"It was more so questioning myself and what does my faith mean to me," Walker said.

Manager Tony Vitello confirmed he was aware of the players’ discussions but did not take part in them. The pitchers said they were inspired by former Giants shortstop Nick Ahmed and former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who had previously written the same Bible verse on Pride hats.

The incident attracted attention from politicians and commentators, but the players emphasized that their actions were intended to express personal belief, not to denigrate the LGBTQ+ community.

"I don’t hate the LGBT community. It’s something I believe in," Hentges added.

The team’s clubhouse said the conversations among players were respectful and focused on how to handle the situation.